Alexa, Siri, and Jarvis. The claim is these Artificial Intelligence (AI) digital assistants make our lives easier They know us better than we know ourselves. We are sold this vision of smart devices all talking to each other in order to make us productive, happy and removing all the day to day (and possibly more) stress from our lives.
Of course, social media was supposed to build an interconnected world that enabled empathy and connections to flourish. And we saw how that has turned out.
The Upside: Convenience and Efficiency
One of the most obvious benefits of AI assistants is the sheer convenience they offer. There’s already some artificial systems which know based on your calendar and traffic can notify you that you need to leave at a certain time to make your flight. Imagine how much more accurate it could be if that digital assistant also had access to the number of people who also have flights around that time, can predict the traffic patterns based on historical traffic analytics (or even more data – all planned traffic for through that route based on current schedules and a probability of accuracy), and are even getting up to the minute flight information for all the flights in and out of the airports impacting your flight. These efficiencies can. not only safe time, but lower anxiety levels around being on time. For anything.
AI assistants can also be invaluable when it comes to planning group activities or events. By considering everyone’s preferences, locations, and schedules, they can suggest optimal times and venues that work for the entire group. This not only saves time and effort but can also help foster better social connections by making it easier for friends or family members to coordinate and spend quality time together.
The Downside: Over reliance and Isolation
While the convenience of AI assistants is undeniable, there are valid concerns about becoming overly reliant on these virtual helpers. As they become more capable and integrated into our daily lives, we may find ourselves increasingly outsourcing tasks and decision-making to our AI assistants, potentially stunting our own problem-solving skills and personal growth.
Are people less afraid to talk to others? Or is it showing a less desire to talk to others?
Humans need to regularly put themselves in situations that challenge them, expose them to new experiences, and force them to adapt and grow. This reliance on AI assistants that prioritize efficiency and comfort could inadvertently shield us from the very experiences that foster personal development and resilience. It’s evident even in today as there are larger number of people who appear wanting to have phone conversations as it is easier to just text or email. Imagine not even having to do that.
Moreover, there’s a risk that AI assistants, in their quest to provide the most convenient and low-risk recommendations, may inadvertently reinforce social clustering and echo chambers. By favoring activities or venues that align with our existing preferences and social circles, these virtual helpers could limit our exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences, ultimately narrowing our worldviews.
The Paradox of Programmed Empathy
One of the most intriguing – and potentially concerning – aspects of AI assistants is their ability to exhibit programmed empathy and emotional intelligence. While this can make interactions with these virtual helpers feel more natural and relatable, it also raises questions about the potential impact on our expectations and interpersonal skills.
As we become accustomed to the seamless, empathetic responses of our AI assistants, will we start to hold unrealistic expectations for human interactions? Will we become frustrated or disappointed when our friends, family members, or colleagues fail to exhibit the same level of perceived understanding and emotional support?
If we increasingly rely on AI assistants for emotional support and connection, could this potentially hinder our ability to develop and maintain meaningful human relationships? While the jury is still out on the long-term psychological effects, it’s a concern worth considering as these technologies become more advanced and ubiquitous.
Just as we saw with kids and screen time, will there be a significant impairment to social cues and emotional growth in kids that will be impossible to overcome?
Finding the Right Balance
Like many powerful technologies, AI digital assistants offer both significant benefits and potential drawbacks. The key lies in finding the right balance and being mindful of how we integrate these virtual helpers into our lives.
Rather than becoming overly dependent on AI assistants, we should strive to use them as tools to augment our capabilities and free up time for more meaningful pursuits. We must remain vigilant about exposing ourselves to new experiences, diverse perspectives, and challenging situations that foster personal growth and resilience.
Additionally, as AI assistants become more emotionally intelligent, it’s crucial that we maintain a healthy perspective on the nature of these relationships. While the convenience and empathy of virtual helpers can be appealing, we must not lose sight of the importance of cultivating authentic human connections and interpersonal skills.
Ultimately, the impact of AI digital assistants on society will depend on how we choose to embrace and wield this technology. By remaining mindful of the potential pitfalls and actively seeking balance, we can harness the power of these virtual helpers while preserving the essential human experiences that truly enrich our lives.